03/08/2017

Oireachtas Committee Brexit Report 'Unhelpful' - Farry

An Oireachtas Committee report which discusses achieving a united Ireland due to the impact of Brexit has been labelled "unhelpful" by Alliance's Brexit spokesperson, Stephen Farry.

The report, titled 'Brexit and the Future of Ireland: Uniting Ireland and its People in Peace and Prosperity', outlines 17 recommendations on what the Republic of Ireland should look to secure in the final agreement between the EU and the UK.

As well as recommending the need for special status for Northern Ireland, the report suggests exploring options towards a peaceful re-unification of Ireland.

However, Dr Farry said there are "real dangers" in conflating building the case for a special deal for Northern Ireland and also how the island as a whole plans for Brexit.

"People are perfectly entitled to pursue their constitutional aspirations and consider how a united Ireland could be delivered," he said.

"However, this must be decoupled from the immediate challenges of Brexit. It is therefore unhelpful for the Committee to consider both of these matters within one report.

(LM/MH)

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